Kimber Leigh is a multi-award-winning filmmaker, actress, model, television host of over 140 shows, best-selling author, and spokesperson! Her dedication to making quality films has been honored with her reputation as a highly respected and award-winning filmmaker. While she has made her mark in numerous fields of the entertainment industry, some of her most notable works include Copper (2010), The Story of May Beaver—Nefarious Feller (2013), and Sand in the Crack (2022). Kimber had also previously produced and hosted 100 episodes of the weekly web series, The Animal Rescuers/The Global Rescuers, on the Variety Channel.
Kimber’s experience in the film community spans over three decades. She relocated from Arizona to the Big Island of Hawaii in 2017. This move prompted a temporary shift in her creative focus. Read further as we have the latest news and more on Kimber Leigh and an exclusive interview!
We had the chance to ask Kimber Leigh about the primary source of her inspiration in filmmaking. Kimber eloquently stated, “What inspires and drives me in filmmaking and storytelling is the art itself. I’ve always been fascinated by the act of putting the puzzle together—of finding the missing pieces that help us see the full picture more clearly. (Pun absolutely intended.)I’m driven by the desire to become the best version of myself within this ever-evolving world of creative opportunity. And what we choose to do with that opportunity—that’s where the passion comes in. I want to make full use of my “one-way ticket to Earth” and return it torn, tattered, and well-lived”.
A Modern-Day Mary Pickford: Championing Artistic Freedom
Kimber draws inspiration from historical figures who championed artistic independence. She aspires to emulate Mary Pickford (“America’s Sweetheart”), who co-founded United Artists in 1919 with Charlie Chaplin, D.W. Griffith, and Douglas Fairbanks. Their collective goal was to reclaim power from the established studios and place it back in the hands of the artists, championing ownership, autonomy, and creative control.
Kimber emphasizes the enduring relevance of these values: “Art should never be owned or stripped away from its creator. This is why I’m so deeply passionate about indie filmmaking. It’s empowering to offer a fresh perspective, to tell stories that challenge others to think more deeply. I once submitted a short film to a prestigious festival, only to be told it was “too thought-provoking” for their audience. And to that I say, isn’t that the point? Isn’t art meant to stir, to awaken, to move us beyond collective comfort zones and into individual reflection?”
“In the end, what drives me is the passion within the story itself. Whether it’s a fictional character that helps someone see a piece of themselves or a documentary that opens a door to understanding, I want to leave something meaningful behind.”
She concludes with a resolute declaration: “I have so many stories inside me that still need telling, and until my journey here is complete, I intend to tell every single one of them!”
Treasured Film Festivals: Finding a Creative Home
While Kimber’s films and documentaries have been recognized at festivals worldwide, she holds a special place in her heart for a few select events that have become more than just competitions; they have become her “ohana” (family), as they say in Hawai’i.
One such festival is the Show Low Film Festival, nestled in the beautiful White Mountains of Arizona. Kimber recounts her first experience: “From the very first time I arrived, they looked up from the roster, called me by name, remembered the title of my film, and were genuinely excited about it. That moment of being truly seen and celebrated stayed with me. I fell in love with those wonderful people and the heartfelt energy of that festival.”
Another festival that holds a special place in her heart is A Night of Misfit Films, held in the arts district of downtown Phoenix. She describes it as “one of the most quaint and magical festivals I’ve ever experienced. The event takes place outdoors, under the stars, in a venue that feels straight out of a dream. I truly believe everyone should experience this one-of-a-kind gathering at least once in their lifetime.”
The A3F Almost Famous Film Festival has also played a significant role in Kimber’s development as a filmmaker. She has been participating in this festival since 2006, describing it as “nothing short of film school.” The festival challenges artists to create a film in just 48 to 72 hours, an intensity that sharpened her creative instincts and trained the filmmaker muscle. “That intensity taught me to pay close attention to every detail, every choice, every frame. The A3F helped shape me to become the filmmaker I am today.”
Awards and Recognition Worldwide
Kimber has been repeatedly awarded by prestigious film festivals such as the A3F Almost Famous Film Festival, Phoenix Comicon Film Festival, and AZ Fame Film Festival. These awards include awards for Best Overall Acting, Outstanding Individual Performance, and Best Actress in a Film Short. Aside from being widely recognized in multiple festivals for her films, Kimber has also been recognized with a Gold Hermes and a Telly Award for her work in journalism.
Best Actress Awards for “Housebroken”
Kimber Leigh’s performance and filmmaking involvement in the short film “Housebroken” earned significant recognition on the film festival circuit. She secured the Best Actress award at the prestigious Roman International Movie Awards for her portrayal in “Housebroken”. The film’s ensemble cast also won Best Key Cast at the IMDB-qualified LensFame International Film Festival, highlighting the collaborative effort and strong performances throughout the production. Kimber’s dedication to the horror genre was acknowledged with a Best Actress award at the Hollywood Blood Horror Festival.
A Return to Filmmaking: Innovation and “Sand in the Crack”
After taking time off from filmmaking and focusing on her best-selling books, Kimber found herself drawn back to the world of filmmaking. She traveled back to Arizona to work on projects as well as Big Island. She experimented with using her cell phone to film the award-winning short film “Imoceantion” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This experimental approach paved the way for her most recent achievement: directing and producing the short film “Sand in the Crack.” A comedy with a touch of spice, “Sand in the Crack” marks Kimber’s directorial debut under her own film company. Not only did she direct, but she also stars in the film alongside her husband, Richard Brown. As a vacationing couple in Hawaii, they find themselves amidst unpredictable and hilarious circumstances.
“Sand in the Crack” has won critical acclaim and audience appreciation for its humor, relatable characters, and overall entertainment value. The film has won awards, including a Certificate of Achievement at the Karukrit Film Festival and a Director’s Recognition of Excellence in Filmmaking at the New York Movie Awards.
Kimber concludes with a heartfelt tribute to the state that fostered her artistic growth:
“While I deeply admire every festival I’ve entered, Arizona will always hold a sacred place in my heart. It’s where I grew as an artist over several decades. It’s where I learned, experimented, failed, succeeded, and, most of all, found my creative voice. I will forever be indebted to this remarkable place I lovingly call my home away from home.”
Recent recognition at these festivals includes Best Director at the Show Low Film Festival in 2024 for Together in ALS: A Wife’s Perspective, Best Comedy at A Night of Misfit Films in 2023 for Sand in the Crack, and the Lebanese Award at Misfit in November 2024 for the world premiere of Taking Your Crack at Filmmaking: Through the Eyes of the Director Kimber Leigh. Kimber the Phenomenal Attainment Award proudly presented with two awards “Taking Your Crack at Filmmaking” at the Dreamz Catcher International Film Festival in 2025.
FOLLOW KIMBER LEIGH ON OFFICIAL SITE LINKS:
https://www.instagram.com/kimberaleigh/?hl=en
https://filmfreeway.com/Kimberleigh
